6.2: The Return of the Box
Earlier, we learned we can make a box from a piece of paper by cutting squares of side
length x from each corner and then folding up the sides. Let's say we now have a piece of
paper that is 8.5 inches by 14 inches. The volume V, in cubic inches, of the box is a
function of the side length x where V(x) = (14-2x)(8.5-2x)(x).
1. Identify the degree and leading term of the polynomial. Explain or show your
reasoning.
2. Without graphing, what can you say about the horizontal and vertical intercepts of
the graph of V? Do these points make sense in this situation?